Second Semester and Free Will

The second semester has taken me back to the days of studying in Viga. It reminded me of the salad days in that Elementary school where I also first felt the pressure and importance of studying harder. Although I would say that I didn't give my all in this semester for the heck of me being this lazy and happy-go-lucky fella, I couldn't stop asking myself, "Was it a wake-up call for me?" It rang a bell.

I felt like it was a body call too, that I laid low and became a satisfied mediocre person much as I wished to be. But in the process, I was taken aback of everything I did – not so good for one who knows that he can do better. The sin of omission, they say.

My law prof has been mentioning this in our class that it is not good to choose not to act the way you should have been when you could have done better and you know you are capable doing of. I could not make an excuse because I know I am guilty.

I had three Accounting and two Law subjects this semester, which made it challenging. I swear I studied 401 to the limit, but barely read Labor, 203 and 303. It’s a shame.

To say the least, I am still proud that I fared well, although I hated myself for being so blind of this statement of grumpy Deneil Young, that if I am going to try [something], I might as well aim for the top.

I learned a lot nonetheless during this semester. I got closer to some old friends and acquaintances before and met a few people – friends I could already say. Drawing circles again! Aha.

And aside from the heavy books I carry every day, I added some novels, again, in the cabinet. I read another Grisham and found a new author. It's better to read than not read at all.

One hurrah moment maybe was being able to familiarize myself with teachers and students. But you know, I had a seatmate I never talked to but there are also those whom I built battery with (in baseball, it is when the pitcher is synched with the catcher). I have to thank them for playing a good game.

One simple act of two great professors delighted me so much. I received a Snickers from a prof for being attentive "daw" during her classes when what I only remember was nodding and smiling (just kidding ma'am, I learned a lot from you not just the lessons we have in our book), and a "libre" from a prof who has been teaching in the university for almost 20 years and is just so humble that he can make friends with young people like us. They are very admirable.

My thanks and admiration is also to this professor who shared simple, but BIG words for us students who are in pursuit of a dream. May we reach the end.

I would like to congratulate everybody who did not quit the battle. Our sleepless nights will be rewarded soon. Getting what we deserve will make us really happy, and getting more than what we deserve is another blessing. Yahoo!

Going back to mediocrity, I realized that whatever people may show us, it is still our option to follow our inner voice. Yes. What’s good in life is that until we do not die, we experience these things and then we learn something about them. We realize our actions and we reflect on them.

There is so much for one to hold. There are those we cannot control, those we couldn't live up to. There are also those we already have: ones we deserve and not, ones we ignore while others long for, ones we enjoy, but ones they loathe, and ones we are thankful for but the ones they cannot appreciate.

THIS IS LIFE. What are we supposed to do?

Let's use our free will.

Something I will not Regret

It's been a while when I paused and tried to think of what is really happening in my life at the present. I couldn't believe I made it this far. It was just like yesterday when I was playing in the dirt with my manong and manang under the shade of that nymph tree near some aging kuliglig. It was just yesterday when the whole sitio of Cabulalaan has gone crazy searching for two naughty children (my cousin Ericson and I) who wandered in the morning and were found in the middle of the corn field late afternoon; we actually went down the bridge of Karayan Daya and tried to catch fish and frogs, then whips we got!  It was just yesterday when I bade farewell to my friends in Ilocos and began a new life in the promise land Canangan, when I was nearly killed by a raging cow, when I really abhorred being in that class because of receiving a ribbon and not a medal, when I witnessed how mad dad could be, when I reached high school and proved that I can do things I've never done before, when I said and wrote a lot of awful things to my crush nonetheless I liked in the end, when I got emotional by seeing people say their goodbyes. For the past 19 years, I never imagined how colorful life could be. I dreamed and wished. Some happened. Some did not. I just realized that it is what you experience that really makes you wonder about life. I don't know, but I'm starting to realize how perfect life is. Our shortcomings. The ugly day we make. They don't matter because they are the same with our successes. We encounter them and we experience them. So I came to this conclusion: It doesn't matter anymore how I lived and how I will spend the rest of the time, just that I'll make it sure that it will never be something that I will regret.

2013 and some Adjectives

When I knew I got no time to write a review anymore, I threw myself on the bed and asked what’s wrong with me. But in order not to ruin the holidays, I decided to let the days pass by, chose to enjoy the time with my family and friends, and planned to better indulge the rest of the day doing what I don’t usually do in Baguio. But looking at how I spent the holidays, I found it rather irritating. I thought I faced the television and the computer most of the time, and ONLY did get out when I knew the time was already running fast. But whatever I say, 2013 is forever gone.

1. What are the things I did in 2013 that I haven’t done before?

I found this question hard to answer. I couldn’t remember anything. Thanks to my journal and to Facebook and Twitter, I got them scribbled.

a) It was my first time to go to a book bazaar. I made a reader in me. I bought books like never before: novels, poems and essay books, art books, and some literary selfies. Today, I got a collection of them, and I believe I need to buy a cabinet soon.

b) I created a literary blog (Taludturan) in Tumblr. I began to write poems again and was able to post/write more or less  50 poems this year.

c) I was able to follow several actions in tennis, table tennis, chess, basketball,  and football! Became a fan of Andy, Rafa, Masha, S. Williams, GMs Wesley, Aronian, Karjakin, and WC GM Carlsen, Azkals (of course), Barca, Gilas, Ma Long, WH, Zhang, Xu Xin, and a lot more.

d) I never reviewed and stayed up late like I did this year. Academics for the win. This is not an interesting topic. Skip.

e) It was my first time to take an Accounting exam without any review. The sad truth is, it was not for the heck of the experience, so I got a wasay!

f) My first time to go and spend some time in Camp John Hay, Riverside resort in Asin, and Pangasinan specifically BFAR. It was my first time to hold a sea cucumber, and be left at home for a field trip. Thanks for the second chances! Hahaha.

g) I guess I travelled a lot this year. I spent some days in the mountains of Quirino, enjoyed their falls and rivers there. I went to Aurora also and lucky to have “rock” hopping. Mehehe. I also had a time to enjoy the Anguib beach in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, and swam with the seaweeds.

2. Did I meet any of my important goals in 2013? What are my goals for next year?

I thank God for what I have become, for what I was able to achieve, and for everything I am holding onto.

2013 was a very fruitful year, and I say cheers to everyone who is part of this AWESOME life!

I maintained a blog! I became more aware of the blogosphere, made some friends with a number of bloggers, and was even fortunate to join Saranggola Blog Awards. I maintain three blogs today, this blog and the other two. Writing has become more fun this year.

Academics might not be so full of sweet successes, but what's important is that I passed and learned new things.

I stayed healthy and fit. It was this year that I couldn't remember the last time I was sick. Thanks to the enormous amount of water I am drinking and to my table tennis family. Sweating with you guys made it even better!

I developed a sense of positiveness and easygoingness. More friends and acquaintances were established. More food and small talks came along the way. Thanks to the Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine, conversations have never been this effective.

I had fun but also had become silly. Cracking jokes were often so having other people hate me (us friends) was not a question. But making people abhor you so much feels so wrong, so at the end of the day, you try to make peace. 

All these being said, there is still a list of things I got to work out this 2014. I need to be more organized and be more understanding. I have to write and read more. I wish 2014 to be just fine or even better.

3. Did anyone close to me die?

My uncle. Lung cancer. My Lolo. Old age.

4. What countries did I visit?

I wish to travel the whole of ASEAN, Japan, Canada, and some other places but it’s not yet time.

5. What would I like to have in 2014 that I lacked in 2013.

An iPhone and pretty good savings.

6. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon my memory, and why?

None? Maybe 11/12/13. Apocalyptic. I am never good at remembering experiences through dates. So friends, don’t feel less happy when I forget your birthdays. Don’t worry. When you call for a dinner, I’ll be there. And I might consider giving you a gift the next time, not if I forget.

7. What was my biggest achievement this year? What was my biggest failure?
I don’t know. There are several cakes and there also mess ups. Winning CATCUP1 maybe. My biggest failure is believing in a lie. But things were already fixed. Peace is what I want.


8. What was the best thing I bought?

These books and this small table. 

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Mama, papa, at mga kapatid for supporting me in all my endeavors, damay na rin ang mga small wants ko. Hehe. My friends for just keeping the lawn green. Sirs and ma’ams for appreciating the little things that I do.

10. Where did most of my money go?

According to my financial journal, most of my money was spent mostly in rent, clothing, food, and then books.

11. What did I get really, really, really excited about?

The development of Wesley So, Azkals, Gilas, and the games of my tennis idols.

12.   What song will always remind me of 2013?

Dreaming by Kim Soo Hyuk of Dream High. When I heard the song, I felt the emotion. It’s Korean but the title itself gives a hint of what the singer feels. This song is the most played in my playlist.

13.  Compared to this time last year, am I:

a) Happier or sadder?

Happier!

b) Thinner or fatter?

Fatter! When people begin to notice it, I would reply what one of my profs in Accounting would always say: I’m getting richer!

b) Richer or poorer?

Richer.

14.   What do I wish I’d done more of?

Preparing green and leafy breakfast, vegetable drinks!

15.  What do I wish I’d done less of?

Eating bread. Facebooking.

16. How did I spend Christmas?

Family reunion at Tugue. Visited Anguib beach.

16. Did I fall in love in 2013?

Fell in love with myself, and the great things that came along the way.

17. What was my greatest musical discovery?

Playing instruments once in a while takes you to different times of your past. It also makes you dream of the future.

18. What did I want and get?

A watch.

19. What did I want and not get?

TFIOS by John Green. Please, buy me one. :(

20. What did I do on my birthday?

We celebrated!

21. What one thing would have made my year immeasurably more satisfying?

Being able to beat kuya Mabs just a single game. Wahaha

22. Who kept me sane?

The ghost in my room, my friends who read my scribblings. 

23. Who was the best new person I met?

You just love the way people differ from each other: the way they look at you, the way they look at themselves, and the way they look at the beauty of life. They are the best in their own way.

24. A valuable life lesson I learned in 2013:

Keep going on, but enjoy the moment. Don't go to a place for selfies or Facebook's sake. 

25. A song lyric that sums up my year:

When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way....
Then I look at you
And the world's all right with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day

– Lovely Day, Bill Withers

Looking Back: 1st Sem 2013

June was just an ordinary start of classes. There was this same prayer of having the job well done. 

Nervousness was hidden on everyone's eyes. Fingers crossed, students prayed that the most terror would not enter their class and the kindest would instead. It was not an assurance though, that the best is of the kindest, and the worst equates to the terror. A week later, some were relieved and some were already stressed. Some did not get the challenge while some boasted, "Bring it on!"

I could feel the intensity of every exam we took. All are serious; It's like a matter of life and death. But not everyone who comes in front and gets his yellow paper showed victory. Some undeniably accepted a lost battle. I, for example, lost my first battle, too. Bloody red, I took my revenge and wielded my sword better than that of my first and drew first blood. Prelims was not a joke.

Midterms. Lessons just got harder. I focused on 302 and forgot the other. No wonder of getting a 70 in my 202. What a heartbreaker. On the other hand, getting 8/10 in the deptals of my 302 somehow balanced it off. I learned my lessons. Maybe. I was so happy yet disappointed of myself because I know I could have done better.

Finals was a huge wave. Projects, reports, and some other works were given so we need to at least feel like "surperhumans." We felt some relief when the departmental exams for both law and accounting classes were finished. We prepared for the Final exams; we prepared for the semestral break. But before the sem concluded, typhoon Santi came on the Philippines. So exams were suspended—another drama happened.

A poem from Contemporary Glasses rather summarizes the sem experience

ALL WAS WELL

It was five months…

Understanding the contents of a red book

Dealing with mockeries thrown to a mall

Keeping me updated of environmental problems

It was five months…

Solving R(x), C(x) and P(x)

Getting the derivatives of functions

Doing well with numbers and letters

It was five months…

Knowing an obligation and a contract

Winning the game of requisites

Listening to Desiderata

It was five months…

Knowing how to manage production

Mapping facilities layouts

Discussing a lesson projected in a white screen

It was five months…

Completing a research

Creating a usable system

Managing to boost an initial 7

It was five months…

Accounting for a home office and its branches

Dealing with business combinations

Knowing foreign exchange transactions

It was five months…

Learning property, plant and equipment

Understanding liabilities

Accounting for equity

It was five months…

And all was well yesterday night…

Thanks bro for letting me use your poem. Este salamat kahit ko hindi na `pinagpaalam pa.

***

Priority

Isang normal na gawain ng mga isang estudyante na kapag walang maluto o tinatamad magluto ay tatakbo nalang sa kainan. May budget meal kaya hindi mabigat sa bulsa at siguradong mabubusog dahil may sabaw pa. At tiyak na mas marami ang ibibigay sa'yo kung suki ka na nila. Samahan mo na ng kaunting kuwento para siguradong makukuha mo ang pakiramdam nila.

Nasa isang karinderya ako ng gabing iyon at kinakain ang paborito kong meal. Maganda ang mood ko ngunit nagmamadali dahil marami pang kailangang tapusin at kailangang basahin. Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang palabas sa telebisyon at minadali ang pagkain.

Sa kabilang mesa ay may isang ale kasama ang kanyang anak na kapwa ko mag-aaral din. Alam ko dahil minsan ay naging kaklase ko siya sa isang subject. Nag-order sila at nagsimulang mag-usap.

"Kailan ka gragraduate anak?"

"Hindi pa ngayong taon ma."

May takot siyang naramdaman sapagkat ang alam ng mga magulang niya na matatapos na siya nitong taong ito.

"Akala ko ba last mo na to?"

"Hindi pa ma."

"Eh, di dapat sinabi mo na ng maaga."

"Ang alam ng ate mo, gragraduate ka na. Kaya sabi ko sakanya, kaunting tiis nalang."

Iniiikot-ikot ng anak ang cellphone at nakayuko.

"Maraming gastusin yung ate mo. Pero naki-usap ako na kung maari tumulong kasi nga gragraduate ka na," paliwanag ng ale. "Dala ko yung perang kakailanganin mo ngayong sem na ito."

Nahihiya na ang anak, kaya hindi ito makasagot-sagot. Pero naglakas loob rin itong magpaliwanag din.

"Ma, marami pa akong kailangang kunin na subjects. Bagsak ko yung iba."

Ay naku po. Tumingin ang magulang sa anak at pinili nalang na umpisihan ang pagkaing kanilang inorder. Hindi ko na hinintay pa na matapos sila. Inaabot ko ang bayad ko sa kahera at tumuloy sa boarding house.

~

Sa buhay kolehiyo, madaming pasiko-sikot at bawat liko ay maraming kuwento at pagsubok, ngunit ang sayangin ang mga bagay na pinaghirapan ng ibang tao ay isang pagkakamali. Oo, minsan may mga pagkakataon talaga na babagsak tayo sa isang subject ngunit hindi naman ata pwede na ibagsak mo ang isang subject dahil hindi ka nagbigay ng interest at panahon. Yung isinakripisyo mo ang panahon ng pag-aaral sa mga bagay na hindi naman ganoon kahalaga. Ang gusto lang naman nila (magulang natin) ay matapos ang pag-aaral natin at bigyang halaga ang lahat ng binibigay nila. Estudyante tayo kaya naman, alam na dapat natin kung ano yung prority natin, hindi ba?

Sa mga kapwa ko estudyanteng lumalaban, pagpalain nawa kayo ng Maykapal. Sa mga estudyante namang tinatamad mag-aral, gumising ka.

How Do I Feel Being Filipino

For me, being Filipino is loving my country and my people. It does not need a lot of explanation.

I do not need to describe how I look just to say I belong to the Malayan race, that my blood is that of the great heroes of this country, and that I know how to speak Tagalog and Ilocano, my region's language. They are but a shallow definition of what being Filipino is and what a Filipino should know.

I know that a lot of you would disagree if I, in your place would define your being Filipino, and I am sure if not all, some would strongly disagree if I say Filipinos are more regionalistic than nationalistic. But, regardless of our indifference and personal choice, our being Filipino is a blessing. We were born in a beautiful country, and we are given a very diverse and rich culture.

Honestly, at the end of the day, one does not take anything I mentioned above to be Filipino because being one is felt in the heart. It is in our every joy and sorrow. It is in our very core. It is a part of our existence people cannot just take from us.

World within Worlds

It was October when the first semester ended. I left the city to see my family in Isabela. It was cold, silent, and dark when I packed my things up and rented a taxi. I carried my very heavy luggage containing all used clothes I was not able to wash, books I thought I would not be using anymore, and belongings I found unnecessary. I looked at myself while thinking of all the wonderful things I had that semester. Bravo? No. I was not satisfied.

Pondering.

November was not that good. After a week, I had to book my way back to Baguio to avoid another traveling drama. Unluckily, the day before the classes start was fully booked, so I was in class the next day.

It came. I saw my classmates, observed all of them, marked the silent, the noisy, the good-looking, the not-so-good-looking, and the friendly. I had all the right. It was a long day.

A month had passed, but it was the same the first day. We have our own worlds. We preferred South, they chose North, some enjoyed the oceans, while others went East and West. It was a world separated by indifference and exclusiveness. 

Immobile.

The environment we created was not invigorating. We were dead for quite some time. As we tried to fill the gap, we had minutes of connecting and probing. 'twas late when we realized we can make an Eden of our own.

What now? All we had in the first weeks were maybe all surmise. But, they are no longer important. What matters now is that we had quite some time learning each other. We judged quickly -- typical. However, here we are, finding it hard to bid our goodbyes as the end of the second semester is approaching.

Five months minus a month of adjustment was not enough.

But, I am still happy because we were able to climb mountains. The rivers and hills might have been cruel, but the journey was well worth it.

It is sad the story has to end this way.

Twenty Hundred Twelve Happenings, Realizations, and Aspirations

It is just amazing that this day has come.

2012 started with new hopes and aspirations. We promised to ourselves that we'll do better in our work, in our relationships and in our endeavors. We imagined that it will be a year of prosperity and abundance. Today, we stand with them --all fulfillment and frustrations, all imaginations which materialized, all the hurt and anxiety, all sufficiency and privations, and all joy and sorrow. Bottom line is they reflect who and what we are today. Have we learned from them? Have we been stronger today? Have we been more matured? How far have we gone?

Undauntedly, we hoped that our government will get better. We hoped that the President will continue to fight against corruption. Yes, we indeed have shown our sense of nationalism by lauding our president in his efforts to end the tumultuous years of governance brought by selfish and corrupt officials. There maybe times that we also booed the president because of failures and irresponsibility. Nonetheless, we trusted and hoped for the betterment of our country. Today, we are now growing economically, and this impetus somehow affected our outlook to our country. The Philippines is now labeled a new economic tiger and will soon become a more progressive country if the wind continues to favor us.

It was in January when a number of people were buried alive in a mining landslide in the South. Then, followed by an earthquake which struck the island of Negros, several typhoons flooded places and even ended the lives of many people. The following months, more typhoons stormed the country killing more people. The Filipinos were also shocked by the six-round knockdown of Pacquiao.

But, 2012 was not merely about suffering and downfall. It was also of windfall and success. The peace deal was signed by the government and the largest Muslim rebel group which laid out the status of the Bangsamoro. Many Filipinos also became triumphant in sports. Investors became bullish to the Philippine economy. More buildings and public goods were constructed, and a lot more in the future. The Philippine stock market ended the fiscal year green.

On the contrary, many are unaware of this. Simple citizens were dealing with their lives the same. Many people still choose to go abroad. Many still do crimes, kill people, abuse children and women, extort from anyone else possible. This year, what have the majority of our people become? That, I am not sure.

Baguio: The City on Board

The sun had already stretched its myriads of rays to the earth. The birds were busy hopping and flying in the innocent pine trees, the flowers of the wild sunflowers were already in full bloom while the waters coming from the small, narrow waterways just underneath the earth was silently rushing down the small village catering the bushes, grasses, and a variety of plants growing under the tall pines trees near the houses.

It took the sun a little angle again to see the clinging vines of the chayote which was being hidden by this boarding house. But the cold spell was still making me freeze while I was in the blanket cuddling a big pillow to repel the chill. Just a few minutes sitting beside the window,  I finally jumped out of the bed and took a shower.

Semestral Break Reflection: Bye First Sem, Hello Second!

After being enrolled in the university, I immediately went back home to spend the rest of my vacation in Isabela. I am lucky enough to have at least one more week to rest and be with my family. It took me almost four months to finally have this break, so I will try to maximize and enjoy the break.

I have to say that I learned a lot this sem. Not just about accounting and academic matters but also social matters. I earned some friends and knew more about life. Knowing different walks of life is such a wonderful experience. When I knew that I have the worse problems in the world, I learned that I am still luckier or more fortunate than the others. I learned to give respect  and became more considerate to the people around me. I've heard their own stories—about their painful experiences. Those, I will forever cherish and store in my heart.

Jesus be the Center

God is just so AWESOME!
(I do not own this photo)

It was Monday. I got just a 4-hour sleep because I already started my review for the coming departmental exam in my Accounting subject. Well, I have no choice. I am aware that when I do nothing, I might see myself entering another course next semester.  This would be one of the most disastrous things I’ll ever face in my life if it happens. Hence, I have to do the best thing, and that is by reviewing.

I’m a changed man indeed. Copying or cheating is not in my vocabulary anymore. I made a vow to God and that I have to stand for. Somehow, it helped, and it will be a big help in the future. I think, if I make myself used to cheating or to other things that aren't helping at all, I’d be unsuccessful—as if didn't learn my lessons, and that I passed because of such. Of course, I don’t like this, the idea. So today, I am establishing an attitude that will help me in the future.

I always say my prayers every morning or if I forgot, I do it while I am walking, sitting, eating or taking a jeepney ride to school. I do it in my mind everytime somehow. Before, I do not seem to care doing such. People change indeed. I believe this. Praying became a part of my life, a lifestyle that I have developed with God. I thank God for giving me a lot of chances to change my old ways. But, I always follow my own decisions and will. I am so sorry because I always shift myself into being carnal. I choose what my flesh dictates me. So, I have to make myself closer to God. I have to give some more time in my quiet times and in my devotions. I pray to God that I can still grow in Him.

My problems with my finances is narrowed. I do entrust everything. Every time money comes in my hand, I entrust my all to God. There are times that I find myself on the ends, the times that I almost cry because my money left is already not enough for the week. However, God is good. He never let me reach a point where I am so, so drained. I believe that when I seek God’s help and remain in His words, He will never let me down. And yes, our FATHER above is rich. We just have to trust Him.

I thank God for giving me my family, my mom and dad, my ates and kuya, my pinsans, my friends, my pastors and all people around me. I thank God for He has given me such precious love ones who, in one way or the other, fill what is not in me. You guys are my inspiration in everything I do. In everything, I give thanks to the Lord.

Yesterday, I just saw the dean’s list outside the university’s lobby. I got surprise when I saw my name in a high rank. I’m so thankful. I didn't expect anything. I remember the time I told myself that it is already enough to be a part of the list. But, no, it was more than what I set. I was in the top 50.  It was a blessed day. My hardships materialized. God knows how happy I was.

Was it not just so awesome? So, let’s do our best all the time because we will never know what will happen next and what will come in our ways in the times we do not expect. So let’s keep pushing. Let’s face life the best we could until we reach our goals. However, let us not forget that there’s a reason why we are here. To gain profits? To earn a lot of properties or money? To accumulate all wealth? These are not what God has planned us to be aiming or doing. We have to find a better meaning of our lives other than achieving such things. God has planned us to be brothers and sisters to everyone(big smile), just this. By doing His will, we will find a better idea of what God wants us to be. I am not saying that we do not use the technologies the world is offering us. I am just saying that let us not focus on those things. They are BONUSES not the real goals. They come along the way (another big smile).

God be with us all. Let’s not waste time. We can change ourselves now. Let’s all ask God’s forgiveness in all the things we have done wrong. Let’s reconnect again to God, and this time, we will never let the enemy cut it again. Doing the same mistake is fooling God. You know, God is so awesome. He does not care who we are or what we have done in the past. It’s only the heart that God is looking on us. Let’s stop doing the same mistake again guys. God is a forgiving God. But you know, we do not grow and we live in misery because of our sins. He can always forgive us but everything we do, He accounts it then consequences follows. In short, it is not God that we are fooling, it is ourselves that we are fooling. We are doing our journey hard and harder. God is offering a way. Who is God that we should not trust into? Who is God that we keep on ignoring?

Time is not yet too late to change our ways and follow God. Don’t prolong your agony. Just accept God in your life and let Him be the center of your life.

Isang Paglalakbay sa Lungsod Baguio

Katatapos lang ng enrollment. Isang oras din ang kinailangan para maka-enroll na talaga ako sa unibersidad. Pinalad ako sapagkat isang oras lang ang inabot ko sa pagpila, pagbayad ng matrikula, at pagpapa-validate ng ID. Kadalasan kasi, aabutin ka pa ng limang oras bago maka-enroll. Lumabas din ako agad. Maraming tao ang nasa bungad ng unibersidad—nakatayo’t nakaupo, mag-isa’t may kausap, may ka-text, nagmemerienda’t mistulang may hinihintay. Nasagi sa isipan ko kung ano-ano kaya ang mga nasa isipin nila ngayon. Sa aking pagkakahinto ay napa-isip ako sandali. Sobrang saya ng buhay kapag ini-enjoy!

Habang binabagtas ko ang kahabaan ng sidewalk papunta sa estasyon ng mga dyip malapit sa Igorot Garden, pinagmamasdan ko ang mga tao sa paligid at ang kanilang ginagawa. Sinubukan kong basahin ang kanilang mga mukha. Nag-eenjoy nga ba sila? Masaya kaya sila? Ang mga ito ay ilan lamang sa mga katanungang aking naisip. Gusto ko kasing makita kung papaano gumalaw ang mga tao ngayon, kung malalim ang kanilang iniisip at may dinaramdam. Marami ang mistulang may hinahabol bagamat may mga ilan din namang nagtatawanan habang kausap ang kanilang kasama, ngumingiti-ngiti, at masaya. May mga naka-kunot ang noo, nakasimangot, at tulala. Ganito ang nakita ko. Buhay! Buhay! Ganito talaga ang buhay. 

Tumigil ako sandali at lumingon. Nalampasan ko yung stall ng McDo sa tabi. Bumalik ako at bumili ng float. Pagkatapos ay bumili na rin ako ng bente pesos na hamburger with lettuce, cheese, cucumber at tomato sa katabing tindahan. Nang maubos ko na ang burger ay nagpatuloy na rin ako sa paglalakad tangan pa rin ang float na binili ko. Inalog-alog ko ang float habang naglalakad. Sayang naman kasi ‘yung cream kung hindi maihalo sa coke. Mabilis ko ring inubos. Maraming kakanin sa tabi. Mayroon ding tusok-tusok na patok na patok kahit umaga, turon, lumpia at marami pang iba. Maaliwalas at malinis pa ang paligid sapagkat alas onse palang ng umaga. Kapag medyo hapon na kasi, nagsisilitawan na ang mga kalat sa kalye. 

Dala-dala ko pa rin ang container ng float na binili ko kahit mahigit isang daang metro na ang nilakad ko. Wala talaga akong nakitang basurahan. Pinili kong maglakad sa overpass-WOW-malinis, walang plastic wrappers o ano mang kalat. Tanging bakas lang ng mga dura ng mga nagmamama. Naisip ko tuloy na dapat gawan ng proyekto ang bagay na ito sapagkat hindi talaga magandang tignan ang mga mistulang mga patak ng ulan sa daanan, hagdan, at sa mga gilid-gilid. The city really needs spitting areas. Sana nga lang, maisip nila ito. Dagdagan na rin sana nila mga basurahan-‘yung maayos at tama ang pagkakalagay o distansya. 

Ang mga taga-Baguio ay environment-friendly talaga kaso ‘yung iba nga lang ay walang pakialam. Basta tapon diyaan. Habang naglalakad ako, sabi ko sa sarili ko, “Kapag may makita lang akong magtapon kung saan-saan, pagsasabihan ko.” Pero wala naman akong nakita. Napangiti nalang ako nang may nakita akong ale na may bitbit na walis tingting at dust pan. Pero hindi dapat i-asa sa isang katulad niya ang kalinisan ng Baguio. Dapat lahat ng mga mamamayan ay marunong at binibigyang importansya ang kalinisan ng lugar. Para sa lahat naman ito. Malinis, maganda, mabango ang paligid, walang kalat na pwedeng pagmulan ng sakit, walang nakakasakit sa ulo. Ang mga ito lang naman ang Baguiong gusto kong panatilihan ng mga mamamayan. Bagamat, malinis pa rin naman ang Baguio, sana, lahat ng mga mamamayan ay responsible sa kanilang mga ginagawa. 

Tumawid ako sa kabilang sidewalk sa may pelengke. Hindi naman masyadong siksikan. Nalampasan ko ang mga nagtitinda ng binatog, tinapay, kakanin sa tabi. Hindi na ako bumili. Nagpatuloy na lamang ako sa paglalakad. Naabot ko rin ang Igorot Garden, malapit sa may paradahan ng dyip. Ibinaling ko ang tingin ko sa aking cellphone.9:30 pa lang. Maaga pa. Lumingon ako gawing Burnham. Gusto kong pumunta kako. Habang naglalakad ako sa Igorot Garden, may isang grupo ng mga tao na nagkukumpulan sa tabi. Sinubukan kong maki-osyoso. Naglalaro lang pala sila ng chess. Lumayo na rin ako agad-agad.

"No littering and spitting in the park." Ito ang nakasulat sa isang karatula sa isang sulok na nakikita at nababasa naman ng mga tao. Naglalakad ako nang may biglang dumura sa gawing kanan. Napakamot nalang ako. Katabi pa naman niya 'yung karatula. Medyo nainis na rin ako.

Mag-te-ten palang ng umaga ay marami nang tao sa Burnham. Dumireto ako sa hanay ng mga souvenir stores sa dulo ng lake. Malinis at malamig. Masarap mag-window shopping. Pero may binili pa rin ako kahit papaano. Bumili ako ng dalawang coin purse pampalit sa punit-punit nang purse na ginagamit ko mula pa nung third year HS student ako. Ten pesos lang naman ang isa kaya dinalawa ko na. Tumingin-tingin na rin ako ng mga pwedeng ibigay pag-uwi ko sa probinsya sa sembreak. Marami at mura lang. (hehehe) Mag-ju-June palang, sembreak na agad iniisp ko!

Hindi ako nagtagal sa bilihan. After ten minutes, lumabas na rin ako. Dumiretso ako sa lawa. Marami agad ang mga namamangka. May mga upuan sa tabi pero hindi na ako umupo. Pinagmasdan ko na lamang ang mga tao sa lugar. Marami ang nagkukwentuhan at kumukuha ng litrato.

Tuloy pa rin ako sa paglalakad. Ang linis ng Burnham. Malinis naman talaga, lalo na at maraming taga-linis at hindi pinapabayaan ng awtoridad. Tanging mga nahulog na dahon at bulaklak lang ang nakita ko. Normal lang.

Hindi nagtagal, naghanap-hanap na rin ako ng ma-uupuan. Nakita ang isang lolo sa ilalim ng puno na nagbabasa ng diyaryo. Nagpa-alam ako kung pwedeng makitabi, pumayag naman. Habang ine-enjoy ang preskong hangin, natatanaw ko ang mga namamangka. Enjoy syempre. Masaya ang paligid, luntian at maaliwalas.

Habang naglalakad ako, nakita ko ang isang manghuhula sa tabi. "20 pesos hula." Medyo binagalan ko ang paglalakad upang pagmasdan ang manghuhula. May binabasa siya na para bang comics. Aywan ko ba. "Ano kaya kung subukan ko?" Bigla akong kinilabutan. Huwag nalang kako. Natakot kasi ako sa hitsura nung aleng manghuhula.

Narating ko din ang kabilang dulo ng lake. Bigla akong naihi. Dali-dali akong tumawid at dumiretso sa comfort room. Five pesos ang bayad pero OK na kasi malinis at hindi mapanghi.  Kumpleto pa, may handsoap, at may dryer pa. Paglabas ko, inabot ko kaagad ang bayad. Nagulat ako nang may ibigay na resibo. Oha! Nice one! May kasama pang tissue. Dabes!

Bumalik ako para maglibot-libot pa. Pumasok ako sa mag skating rink. Gusto ko sanang maglaro ng table tennes kaso wala akong makalaro. Umupo ako sa tabi habang pinapanood ang mga naglalaro ng table tennis. Yayaain ko sana 'yung isa kaso inunahan ako ng hiya. Ganun pa man, naghintay ako at nagbakasakaling may dumating na pwedeng makalaro. Ilang minuto rin ang lumipas. Naka-upo pa rin ako at pinagmamasdan pa rin ang mga naglalaro. May dumating na mga tao at nagsipag-rentahan ng skating shoes. Dalawang bata ang unang sumubok at nagpa-ikot-ikot. May sumunod ding magkasintahan. Tawa ako ng tawa kasi 'yung kinuha nilang shoes ay iyong doble ang rollers at hindi rin sila marunong. Naglalakad lang sila at sinusubukang balansehin ang pagkakatayo. Sabi ng katabi kong turista, "Hey, there's a bar over there." Tawa lang ako ng tawa.

May mag-amang dumating at naglaro ng table tennis. Marunong 'yung tatay. Habang nanonood, lumingon ako upang alamin kung ano nang nangyari sa magkasintahan. Ayun, nagpipicturan na lang. (Tawa ulit)

Ang sarap ng buhay lalo na kung ine-enjoy. Masaya nga sabi ko sa sarili ko habang nakatingin sa mag-amang naglalaro at magkasintahang sinusubukang matutong mag-skate. Ganun pala dapat. Sabi nga ni Horace, Carpe diem (seize the day). 

Pagkatapos ng mahigit 3o minutos na pagkaka-upo, wala pa rin akong nahintay na makalaro kaya lumabas na lang ako habang iniisip ang katagang, no man is an island. Random! Malapit ko nang maikot ang Burnham. May nakasalubong akong matandang nakikipaglaro sa isang muning. Malakas ang kanyang tawa ngunit nasa katinuan naman siya, siguro. May mga nagpapa-hena sa tabi.  

BOOM! Ito na ang medyo nagpa-highblood sa akin. May nagpipicnic sa tabi. Mga 3o katao. Nakakalungkot sapagkat maraming kalat. Hindi ko pinagsabihan 'yung malapit sa akin. Maraming matatanda at kasalukuyan silang nanananghalian. Sana nga lang ay pinulot nila iyong mga kalat nila. Sana lang sapagkat hindi na ako bumalik doon.

Isa sa mga ayaw ko ay ang pagkakalat. Lalo na kapag Panagbenga. Naku, mistulang basurahan ang Burnham sa tuwing sasapit ang Panagbenga. 'Di na sila natuto. Sana maging aware ang lahat. Baguio deserves respect.

Sa ngayon, malinis at maayos pa ang Baguio. Sana ipagpatuloy ng kaniyang gobyerno ang pagpapanatili ng kanyang kalinisan at sana'y respetuhin siya ng mga tao at hindi nilalapastangan ang kanyang kagandahan-walang pang-aabuso. Bigyan pa sana siya ng pagmamahal at pag-iingat.

Sa paglipas ng mga taon, pinapangarap kong ang Baguio  ay ganito pa rin kaayos o kung hindi naman ay mas maayos pa. Sana, ang mga mamamayan ay responsable sa lahat ng kanilang ginagawa. Sana, ang Baguio sa hinaharap ay ang Baguio na nadatnan ko-ang paligid ay maaliwalas, luntian, at puno ng buhay.


-May 30,2012